New Brunswick High Schools Student Alliance 

We’re excited to announce the creation of the very first NB High Schools Student Alliance Executive Body, launching at this year’s NB Racialized Youth Summit, happening this May at St. Thomas University! This groundbreaking initiative is designed to amplify the voices of racialized high school students across the province by creating a platform for leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. Ahead of the summit, we’re encouraging students and summit participants to explore and consider the leadership positions available, as these roles will be filled through an election process during the event. “The creation of the first NB High Schools Student Alliance Executive Body” came from one of the action plans from the Inaugural RYS-Summit last year. Elected student representatives will form the inaugural executive team, represent students voice in NB schools and communities while helping to shape the future of youth-led dialogue and change in New Brunswick. This is a powerful opportunity to lead, represent, and make history; don’t miss it!

NB HIGH SCHOOLS STUDENT ALLIANCE EXECUTIVE BODY

President: Oversees the overall direction and operations of the alliance. Represents the organization at events and meetings at various levels. Sets the agenda and chairs executive meetings.

Vice President (Internal Affairs): Assists the President and steps in when the President is unavailable. Manages internal communication between members and school representatives. Oversees committee work and project execution within the organization.

Vice President (External Affairs): Handles external relationships, partnerships, and communication with other organizations or the community. Organizes events that involve external stakeholders.

Secretary: Takes minutes at meetings and keeps records of decisions. Manages scheduling and sends out meeting agendas and notes. Maintains organizational records and documents.

Treasurer: Manages the alliance’s finances, including budgeting and reporting. Oversees fundraising efforts. Keeps track of income and expenses and provides regular financial updates.

Communications Director: Manages the alliance's social media platforms and public relations. Oversees all official communications, including newsletters, announcements, and media engagement. Creates promotional materials for events and initiatives.

Events Coordinator: Plans and executes all major events, including conferences, workshops, and social activities. Coordinates logistics such as venue booking and guest speakers. Works with volunteers to ensure smooth event execution.

Advocacy Director: Leads initiatives related to student advocacy, including educational policies, student rights, and community issues. Works with the government, school boards, and other entities to represent student interests.

Indigenous Students Executive Representative: serves as the voice and advocate for Indigenous students across the province. This role involves fostering inclusivity, raising awareness about Indigenous cultures and issues, and ensuring that Indigenous students' perspectives and concerns are represented in decision-making processes. The representative will work closely with the board to promote cultural understanding, support Indigenous-led initiatives, and help create a welcoming and supportive environment for Indigenous youth in New Brunswick schools. Through leadership and collaboration, this role aims to empower Indigenous students and strengthen the alliance's commitment to diversity and equity.

Diversity and Inclusion Officer: Ensures that the alliance promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its activities and events. Works to engage underrepresented groups in the organization. Plans workshops or campaigns that address issues of inclusion and diversity, work closely with NB school district EDI director.

Technology and Media Coordinator: Manages the alliance’s website, digital tools, and online platforms. Coordinates virtual events or meetings. Creates digital content, including videos or graphics, for outreach.

The "New Brunswick High Schools Student Alliance" emerged as a key initiative from the inaugural NB Racialized Youth Summit at STU, aimed at empowering students by giving them a significant voice in their education and personal development. This alliance was conceived as a response to the pressing need for a platform where students, particularly those from racialized backgrounds, could actively participate in decision-making processes that directly impact their academic and social experiences.  

During the summit, it became evident that students felt disconnected from the policies and programs designed for their benefit. The creation of the alliance addressed this gap by fostering a collaborative environment where students, educators, and community leaders could engage in meaningful dialogue and co-create solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by all students, especially racialized youth in the province. The NB High School Students Alliance (NBHS-Alliance) governing body will be made up of a bilingual student representative; to form a better representation and reflection of the New Brunswick we want to live in. The NB High School Students Alliance governing team will be the bridge between the community, teachers, educators, the government, and NB Students, both locally and nationally.  

Goals of the New Brunswick High Schools Student Alliance:  

The New Brunswick High Schools Student Alliance is designed with several strong goals that aim to transform the educational landscape for high school students across the province. Primarily, the alliance seeks to amplify student voices in educational policy and decision-making processes. By actively involving students in discussions about curriculum, school policies, and resource allocation, the alliance ensures that their perspectives and needs are prioritized. This participatory approach not only empowers students but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their education.  

Secondly, the alliance aims to enhance student engagement and academic performance by promoting a more inclusive and supportive school environment. Through the development of tailored programs and initiatives, the alliance addresses the unique challenges faced by racialized and marginalized students. By creating a platform for students to share their experiences and propose solutions, the alliance helps to identify and remove barriers to academic success, leading to improved outcomes for all students. Additionally, the alliance facilitates mentorship and leadership opportunities, encouraging students to take active roles in their school communities and develop essential life skills.  

The benefits of creating the New Brunswick High Schools Students Alliance extend beyond individual academic achievements. One of the key advantages is the promotion of social cohesion and cultural awareness within schools. By fostering a community where diversity is celebrated, the alliance helps to build mutual respect and understanding among students from diverse backgrounds. This inclusive environment not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world.  

Furthermore, the alliance serves as a model for collaborative governance, demonstrating the positive impact of involving young people in decision-making processes and inspiring other regions to adopt similar initiatives.  

Overall, the New Brunswick High Schools Students Alliance represents a significant step towards creating a more equitable and dynamic educational system that benefits all students. 

Finally, through this initiative, New Brunswick is taking a progressive step towards creating an educational system that truly reflects the voices and needs of its diverse student population.